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The first-generation Cayenne saw the introduction of the Cayenne S in 2002. While the base Cayenne had a 3.2-L VR6 engine, the Cayenne S got a 4.5 L V8 with more power and torque. The extremely short and compact normal-aspirated V8 produced 340 hp and 310 lb⋅ft of torque. Acceleration for the Cayenne S is strong for an SUV, with 0–60 mph taking 6.9 seconds and the top speed being 150 mph. The Cayenne S also have some visual changes to better identify it, but was otherwise standard Cayenne fair.
The entire Cayenne range got a 2008 facelift. The big changes were cosmetic, with Porsche getting rid of the Porsche 996-inspired headlights and sharpening up the Cayenne S lines. A new, vertical, daytime running light appeared on the outer side of the side-scoops and the center grille was smaller. The Cayenne S started to better develop its own unique personality with the 17” light-alloy wheels fitted as standard. The Cayenne S also got cool exhausts.
Car and Driver said:' "More horsepower and less weight add up to a winning combo in the Cayenne S". We agree. Alongside the weight loss and the striking new exterior and interior design, Porsche got an extra 15 hp from the Cayenne S’s naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8. A new transmission with two more forward ratios (now an 8-speed) transforms the drive. Cayenne S hits 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and clear the quarter-mile in 14.1 at 101 mph.
The Cayenne S gains V-6 power during its midcycle update. Porsche advertises more power und more efficiency—the new motor is up 20 horsepower to 420. Torque is a healthy 406 lb-ft, but the turbo-six lacks the personality of the V-8. Which, as V-8s go, was quite nice if rather generically Teutonic. Like, perhaps the iron-fisted Swabian middle manager of V-8s. It keeps the 8-speed automatic. Porsche claims that it has made interior revisions, but the innards look pretty much the same to us, save for the new steering wheel.
The Cayenne S Titanium Edition was designed specifically for the U.S. and Canadian markets. Introduced only for 2006 (as a pre-GTS concept), it was a 1 year exclusive, limited production SUV featuring a lightweight steel body, aluminium hood, titanium-painted accented body parts, side lower rocker body panels, Sport-Quad Tip Exhaust chrome tailpipes, 19" titanium painted alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, two-tone interior upholstery, Porsche PCM 2.0 w/ trip computer navigation, MP3 audio and Bose cabin surround sound.
Named after the 7200km intercontinental rally which the Cayenne won in 2007, the Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia Special Edition offers a number of enhancements. It takes the 4.8-liter V8 unit that develops 405bhp and 500Nm of torque from the range topping GTS allowing the model to drop its base 0-60 mph time down by 0.5 seconds to 6.1 seconds. It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox (automticac optional), with a 4.1:1 drive ratio and air suspension coupled with PASM.
The 434-hp Cayenne S goes from 0 - 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Its twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 helps it to crush the quarter-mile in just 12.8 seconds. Perhaps even more impressive is that the on the optional 21-inch Pirelli P Zero summer tires, the Porsche has a 0.93 g of cornering grip. This is basically a sports car in an SUV body. The Cayenne's dynamic excellence is unmatched in the segment. Easily the best SUV on sale today.
Porsche Cayenne S Coupe
The 434-hp Cayenne S goes from 0 - 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, same as the SUV. In fact, the Coupe and SUV share everything from engines to suspension components to interior trimmings and onboard tech, with only a sloping roofline setting them apart. Our advice. If you want less practicality with a cool fastback roofline, the Porsche Cayenne S coupe is a more stylish version of the Cayenne S. A great all rounder.